Response to each post with 50 words
1.
The healthcare facility where I work seeks different strategies to implement and improve cultural competency within the healthcare organization. During orientation, the hiring program will introduce the topic of diversity and speak about the various cultures and backgrounds that are a part of the organization. Once it has been introduced, it is an ongoing process to develop cultural competency among the employees. The method of development and improvement is performed by communication, providing resources, and intervening when necessary. There is a zero-tolerance policy for any discrimination. The healthcare organization offers cultural online programs, face-to-face classes, and hard-copy resources. A program the organization uses is presenting employees with a recognition or award. This strategy creates a welcoming environment for everyone who wants to work in the organization by building a diverse culture.
My healthcare organization has various materials, interpreters, and assistive devices to better serve patients with a sensory impairment or limited English proficiency. In-person medical interpreters are provided for patients with limited English proficiency or for patients who prefer to speak their native language. My healthcare facility now offers an easier process to access the interpreter language line service; healthcare employees are able to call a 1-800 phone number from their private phone or a hospital phone. Using this service will assist with effective communication with patients with a language barrier. The healthcare organization also provides informative documents that are easy to read and comprehend; more importantly, they are provided in the patient’s preferred language. The documents also contain pictures and diagrams if necessary. The organization also offers interactive, computer-based programs to interact with patients who have a hearing deficit and use sign language. Braille documents are also provided to visually impaired patients. Assistive devices are used occasionally, such as magnifying glasses for patients who do not have reading glasses, flashcards, communication boards for patients who have a speech impairment, or closed-captioned video laptops for patients who have a hearing impairment.
My facility is working to improve cultural competency for employees by requiring mandatory annual cultural competency training. Cultural competency training is also provided during the onboarding process at the corporate level. Resources are available on the company’s employee website for additional education about cultural competence. My company created a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging program. The program helps our company foster and develop a culture of inclusion and build cultural competence for all team members.
Yes, my facility has language-appropriate information for its patient population. Some examples are the use of remote interpreting services that are available via phone and video. American Sign Language interpreters and video calls can assist deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. Legal forms and literature are readily available in Spanish, but literature in other languages is easily accessible online. Some signage in and around the facility is written in English and Spanish.
